what generation of christian are you? misunderstanding about children’s ministry parents believing...
TRANSCRIPT
What generation of Christian are you?
Misunderstanding about children’s ministry
Parents believing we can fix kids in an hour every week.
1/168 hours
Misunderstanding of parents…
They are there to serve the children’s ministry goals
There is a big problem… We need everyone…
& Parents are the most important person to pass on their faith to their kids!
40% to 50% of church kids who go to college leave their faith…
Many of these young people had…
– Attending church activities
– Attended church outreaches
– Attended Christian schools
(From Sticky Faith by Kara Powell, c. 2011)
Parents are Primary• Dr. Christian Smith (sociologist,
University of Notre Dame) recently did a study in the U.S. of 3,290 teens and their families.
“When it comes to to kids’ faith, parents get what they are.”
“My parents are very conservative and strongly believe what the Bible says and … they’re not wavering from that, but they’re also very open… if I have a question about something or if I’m questioning what the Bible says, they’re not going to get angry at me for doing that. They want me to do that.” - Alex
“My mom modeled Sticky Faith for me every morning, coffee cup in one hand and Bible in the other.” - Kara
Group discussion
What are some things that your parents/grandparents did that were important for the development of your faith?
What are some things that you do with your own kids?
What are some things that other parents in the church do?
Asaph
I Chronicles 16:4-5
I Chronicles 25:2
II Chronicles 20:14
Ezra 3:10
He ministered together with his 4 sons
Psalms 78:3-8 – Talking the Word of God was Primary
Psalms 73: 13, 28 – Transparency of His faith was Primary.
Psalms 73:15 – Passion for the next generation was Primary.
Psalms 82:3-4 – Care for the those on the fringes of society was Primary.
They had a real faith that was passed down from generation to generation….
Tale of Two FamiliesIn the U.S. during the 1700’s there
were two families in one town that shed light on the influence of family.
***One father was a preacher***One father was a notorious
criminal
Descendants of the pastor:*4 university deans• 100 university professors• 100 lawyers• 30 judges• 60+ doctors• 100missionaries & seminary professors• 60writers• Many well-known companies include employees
from this family
Descendants of the notorious criminal – • 300 beggars• 400 handicapped (many through crime)• 60 professional thieves• 130 have spent time in prison• 7 murderers • (This family costs the government over
one million USD per year.)
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.
Abraham Lincoln
Susanna Wesley – 19 children, 1 hour per week, one-on-one
If parents are primary, why do children and youth ministry?
How can the church support the parents and get on board
together?
Change our mindset – we are all coworkers for the kids !
Pray for your families & kids…
Create a great feeling between you and the kids and the parents.
Make sure parents drop off and pick up kids.
Get all their information the first time. • NEXT Congregation, Children’s Registration• We hope this registration will help us to better serve your child. • Thank you for taking the time to fill it out. We look forward to serving your family. • • Child’s Name: _____________________ Today’s Date:__________
Age:___Birthday:_________(month-day-year) Grade or Year in School:________• Child’s Primary Language:____________________________________________ • Child’s Secondary Language(s):________________________________________• What are some of your child’s favorite activities:__________________________• _______________________________________________________________• • Child’s Name: _____________________ Today’s Date:__________
Age:___Birthday:_________(month-day-year) Grade or Year in School:________• Child’s Primary Language:____________________________________________ • Child’s Secondary Language(s):________________________________________• What are some of your child’s favorite activities:__________________________• _______________________________________________________________•
Call them
Parent meeting every semester…
Give parents tools to help them dialogue God with their kids
1 。 Have parents sign for it.2 。 Memorize verses.3 。 Interview parents4 。 Read portions together5 。 Pray for something specific
Get parents involved
Visit kids at home.
Have people over your home…
Involve kids in main service…
Introduce great books
Visit an orphanage…
Make gifts for parents…
Have your kids write a letter to their parents.